Weight Loss
Nutrition > Weight Loss > Energy Expenditure > BMR
Basal Metabolic Rate
There is a minimum level of energy required to sustain the body's vital functions in the waking state. It is called the basal metabolic rate, or BMR. The BMR can account for about 60-70% of the body's daily energy consumption. BMR goes to supporting the ongoing metabolic work of the body's cells, such activities as pumping blood around the body, digesting food, respiration, maintaining body temperature and for cells to grow.
Calculating your BMR
There are numerous equations that can be used to estimate resting metabolic rate.
Schofield Equation
Use the table below to find the equation for estimating BMR for the appropriate age and sex category, using weight in kilograms.
Age (years) |
Equation for BMR (MJ/day) |
|
Men |
10-18 |
(0.074 x weight) + 2.754 |
18-30 |
(0.063 x weight) + 2.896 |
|
30-60 |
(0.048 x weight) + 3.653 |
|
> 60 |
(0.049 x weight) + 2.459 |
|
Women |
10-18 |
(0.056 x weight) + 2.898 |
18-30 |
(0.062 x weight) + 2.036 |
|
30-60 |
(0.034 x weight) + 3.538 |
|
> 60 |
(0.038 x weight) + 2.755 |
reference: Warwick P.M. Predicting food energy requirements from estimates of energy expenditure. Australian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics Vol 46, Suppl. 1989
Related Pages
- Calculating Energy Expenditure
- Lose weight while doing nothing - Not really nothing, but indirectly though changing your metabolism through exercise.
- Lifting weight to lose weight A better alternative
- Follow the Path of MOST Resistance! - another article on using resistance exercise for weight loss.
